The Detroit Red Wings had a connection to the University of Michigan’s Big Ten Championship that extended well beyond their usual player scouting.

Both of Detroit’s assistant general managers — Kris Draper and Shawn Horcoff — have sons who were on the scoresheet for the Wolverines in their 7-3 win against Ohio State in the title game. Horcoff’s son, Will, scored Michigan’s second goal. The 6-foot-5 left wing is a Pittsburgh Penguins’ first round draft pick (24th, 2025). Draper’s son, Kienan, registered an assist in the game.  The Red Wings drafted him in the seventh round in 2020 (187th).

The Wolverines now move on to the NCAA tournament. The brackets will be announced today.  Michigan State, led by Red Wings goaltending prospect Trey Augustine, will also be in the tournament.

Kienan Draper shared a special moment with dad and @DetroitRedWings legend Kris Draper following @umichhockey’s championship win ❤️ pic.twitter.com/vUmcO4eloQ

— Michigan On BTN (@MichiganOnBTN) March 22, 2026

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

The Red Wings gave a game away to the Boston Bruins that they should’ve won.

Veteran J.T. Compher has pushed himself to a higher level in the Red Wings’ playoff fight.

Red Wings Extra

Lucas Raymond was minus-3 against Boston and Ben Chiarot was minus-2. . . Alex DeBrincat scored his team-leading 35th goal of the season. DeBrincat is the first Red Wings skater to score at least 35 goals through the first 70 games of a season since Marian Hossa (37 in 2008-09). He extended his point streak to six-consecutive games (2-8-10 in six games). . .John Leonard scored his 29th goal in the Grand Rapids Griffins’ 5-2 loss to Milwaukee Admirals. He is now tied for second in the AHL goal scoring race with Syracuse’s Dylan Duke. They both trail Belleville’s Arthur Kaliyev who has 33. Here’s an illustration of how productive Leonard has been this season: Duke and Kaliyev have reached their goal totals in 61 games. Leonard shows 29 goals in 36 games.

Hockey Now Digest

Boston: Jack Studley details how Jeremy Swayman stole the show in the Bruins win in Detroit. Boston Bruins. 

Florida: Mike Benning showing he may need an expanded role with the Florida Panthers. 

San Jose: Sheng Peng discusses whether you can have a winning culture while losing a game. San Jose Sharks.